Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sydney

a Biblical thought...God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval—only God approval. (1 Thes 2:3)

a Book thought... from The Trouble with Paris by Mark SayersIn a fragmented society in which major institutions like the church and the community no longer play the same role of bringing people together, owning identical possessions becomes one of the chief ways in which we experience community, overcoming isolation through shared patterns of consumption. (p19)a Dave thought...Last night Aaron & I arrived in Sydney, and as we made our way through the airport to claim our baggage I realised it was no average corporate atmosphere with business suits and suitcases. No, there were young people everywhere with backpacks, flags, faces painted, and most of all a sense of excitement and community. There were groups of 20 and another of 50 arm in arm singing songs in their own languages while they were waiting to be picked up. Yes World Youth Day is here and the vibe is amazing. As everyone is willing to chat it was great to here a conversation on the way back from breakfast this morning at our hotel. "So where are you girls from, Canada?" the sheepish reply came back, "no Tasmania". It is evident there are people from across the globe here, but best of all it doesn't matter our background we are all very welcome.